Location
Shaanxi Province
Xi'an is located in northwestern China and is the capital of Shaanxi Province.
Complete Xi'an Travel Guide
Xi'an Travel Guide
Plan your Xi'an trip with a practical travel guide covering must-see attractions, first-time itineraries, local food, transportation tips and essential travel advice. Discover the Terracotta Army, Xi'an City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Muslim Quarter while exploring one of China's great ancient capitals and the historic eastern starting point of the Silk Road.
Recommended Stay
3 Days
Ideal for a first-time Xi'an visit
Best Time to Visit
Spring · Autumn
Comfortable seasons for sightseeing
Must-See Sights
Terracotta Army · City Wall · Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Ancient history and Xi'an highlights
Main Airport
XIY
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport
Xi'an at a Glance
Where Is Xi'an and Why Visit?
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi Province in northwestern China and one of the country's most important historic cities. Known in ancient times as Chang'an, it served as an imperial capital for multiple dynasties and became the eastern starting point of the Silk Road. Today, visitors come for the Terracotta Army, ancient City Wall, Tang Dynasty heritage and distinctive Shaanxi food.
Historic Name
Chang'an
Ancient Chang'an was one of China's great imperial capitals and reached particular importance during the Tang Dynasty.
Best Known For
Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang is Xi'an's defining archaeological attraction.
Recommended Stay
3 Days
Three days gives first-time visitors enough time for the historic center, Terracotta Army and Tang heritage sights.
Main Arrival Points
XIY · Xi'an North
Arrive through Xi'an Xianyang International Airport or the city's major high-speed rail hub.
Why Xi'an Matters
Ancient Capital, Silk Road Gateway and Tang Dynasty Center
Xi'an brings together several of the strongest themes in Chinese history: the Qin Dynasty and Qin Shi Huang, the cosmopolitan culture of Tang-era Chang'an, Buddhist exchange along the Silk Road and the preserved urban form of the ancient City Wall. That combination makes the city especially valuable for travelers interested in China's early imperial history and cultural exchange.
Understanding Xi'an's Main Travel Areas
Most first-time sightseeing is divided between the historic center inside the City Wall, the Tang heritage districts south of the center, and Lintong to the east for the Terracotta Army. Use the area guide below to understand which sights work well together.
Build Your Xi'an Trip
Plan Your Xi'an Trip & Itinerary
Everything you need to plan your first Xi'an trip, including how many days to stay, how to visit the Terracotta Army and historic city center, the best time to visit, local food, hotels, transportation and practical itinerary ideas for first-time visitors.
Recommended for First-Time Visitors
The Perfect First-Time Xi'an Itinerary
Explore Xi'an City Wall, the Bell and Drum Towers, Muslim Quarter, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum, then plan a separate visit to the Terracotta Army. Leave time for local specialties such as biangbiang noodles, roujiamo and other classic Shaanxi food.
Best overall plan
3 days · stay inside the city walls or near Bell Tower · visit in spring or autumn · see the Terracotta Army in the morning
Before You Finalize Your Route
Stay inside the city walls or around Bell Tower for convenient first-time sightseeing
Plan the Terracotta Army as a separate trip from the historic city center
Group Xi'an City Wall, Bell Tower, Drum Tower and Muslim Quarter into the same central sightseeing area
Explore the Muslim Quarter in the evening for street food and a livelier atmosphere
Use the Xi'an Metro for convenient travel between major sights in the city
Expect larger crowds during August and major Chinese holiday periods
Continue Planning Your Xi'an Trip
Explore Xi'an's must-see attractions, historic neighborhoods, local food, transportation and ready-made itineraries designed to make a first visit easier to plan.
What to See & Do
Top Attractions and Things to Do in Xi'an for First-Time Visitors
Discover the essential places to visit in Xi'an, from the Terracotta Army and ancient City Wall to Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, historic towers, Tang Dynasty landmarks and the Muslim Quarter. Together, these sights introduce the history, architecture, culture and Silk Road heritage that make Xi'an one of China's most important ancient capitals.
Xi'an's Essential Archaeological Site
Terracotta Army
See the life-size terracotta warriors created for the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor. Discovered by local farmers in 1974, the Terracotta Army has become one of the world's best-known archaeological discoveries and the defining sight for most first-time trips to Xi'an.
See How to Plan the Terracotta Army
Historic Landmark
Xi'an City Wall
Walk or cycle along one of China's best-preserved ancient city walls. The wall extends for about 13.7 kilometers around Xi'an's historic center and offers a clear sense of the scale and layout of the old city.
13.7 km City Wall
Walking & Cycling
Tang Heritage
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Visit one of Xi'an's most important Tang Dynasty landmarks. Originally built in 652, the pagoda is closely associated with Buddhist scriptures brought to China from India and remains a major symbol of historic Chang'an.
Built in 652
Buddhist Heritage
Museum
Shaanxi History Museum
Understand Xi'an's history through artifacts spanning prehistoric cultures to the Tang Dynasty. The museum provides valuable context for the Terracotta Army and helps explain why ancient Chang'an was one of the most important cities in Chinese history.
Ancient China
Tang Dynasty Collection
Historic Center
Bell & Drum Towers
See two of the most recognizable landmarks in central Xi'an. The Bell Tower dates to the Ming Dynasty and stands at the heart of the historic city, while the nearby Drum Tower leads toward the Muslim Quarter and surrounding old streets.
Ming Dynasty
Central Xi'an
Food & Culture
Muslim Quarter
Explore one of Xi'an's liveliest historic neighborhoods, shaped by centuries of interaction between Chinese and Muslim communities. Come for busy lanes, local snacks and evening atmosphere near the Drum Tower.
Best in the Evening
Street Food & Culture
Imperial Heritage
Huaqing Palace
Explore an imperial palace site associated with the Tang Dynasty and the hot springs near Mount Li. Its location in the Lintong area makes it a natural addition for travelers spending more time around the Terracotta Army.
Tang Dynasty Heritage
Lintong Area
Turn Xi'an's Must-See Sights Into a Practical Route
Combine the Terracotta Army with Xi'an City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the historic city center and local food without trying to fit every attraction into the same day.
Explore Xi'an by Area
Best Areas to Explore in Xi'an
Xi'an is easier to plan when you group its sights by area. Explore the historic center around the Bell and Drum Towers, walk the ancient City Wall from South Gate, discover Tang Dynasty heritage around Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Great Tang All Day Mall, and allow separate time for the Terracotta Army in Lintong.
First-Time Xi'an Planning
Start in the Historic Core, Then Explore Beyond the City Wall
Most first-time Xi'an trips work best by dividing the city into three main sightseeing zones: the historic center inside the City Wall, the Tang heritage areas south of the center, and Lintong for the Terracotta Army. This avoids unnecessary backtracking and makes a two- or three-day itinerary much easier to organize.
Explore Bell Tower, Drum Tower and nearby historic streets together
Combine Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Great Tang All Day Mall in Xi'an's southern Tang heritage area
Treat the Terracotta Army and Lintong as a separate sightseeing trip
Bell Tower & Drum Tower
Begin in the geographical heart of central Xi'an. The Bell Tower and Drum Tower are two of the city's most recognizable landmarks and provide an easy starting point for exploring the historic center on foot.
Historic Center
Ming Dynasty
Easy to Explore
Muslim Quarter
Explore busy lanes near the Drum Tower shaped by centuries of interaction between Chinese and Muslim communities. The area is especially lively later in the day, with local snacks, shops and a distinctive street atmosphere.
Food & Culture
Historic Streets
Best in the Evening
South Gate & Xi'an City Wall
Head to Yongning Gate at the southern section of the ancient City Wall for one of Xi'an's best walking and cycling experiences. From the wall, you can appreciate the contrast between the old walled city and modern Xi'an.
Yongning Gate
Walking & Cycling
Historic Views
Qujiang & Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Explore Xi'an's most important Tang heritage district around the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. The wider Qujiang area combines Buddhist history, Tang Dynasty themes and landscaped public spaces, while Great Tang All Day Mall brings illuminated architecture, cultural performances and a lively evening atmosphere to the district.
Tang Heritage
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Great Tang All Day Mall
Xiaozhai & Shaanxi History Museum
Use this part of southern Xi'an to deepen your understanding of the city's past. Shaanxi History Museum covers thousands of years of regional history and gives useful context to both the Terracotta Army and Xi'an's Tang Dynasty heritage.
Shaanxi History Museum
Ancient China
Tang Dynasty
Lintong & Terracotta Army
Travel east of central Xi'an to Lintong for the Terracotta Army, the archaeological site associated with Qin Shi Huang. Travelers with more time can combine the area with Huaqing Palace rather than rushing back and forth between central Xi'an sights.
Terracotta Army
Huaqing Palace
Separate Sightseeing Trip
Plan Xi'an by Sightseeing Area
Group nearby sights instead of crossing the city repeatedly. Central Xi'an works well for historic landmarks and food, southern Xi'an focuses on Tang heritage and museums, while Lintong deserves separate time for the Terracotta Army.
Historic Center
Muslim Quarter
South Gate
Qujiang
Xiaozhai
Lintong
Turn These Areas Into a Xi'an Itinerary
See how to combine the historic city center, Tang heritage sights and the Terracotta Army into practical one-, two- and three-day Xi'an routes.
Local Food & Culture
Xi'an Food & Muslim Quarter
Xi'an is one of China's most distinctive food destinations, known for wide noodles, flatbreads, lamb dishes and flavors shaped by Shaanxi's wheat-growing traditions and centuries of Silk Road exchange. For first-time visitors, the Muslim Quarter is the best-known place to experience this mix of food, history and Hui Muslim culture.
Essential Food Experience
Explore Xi'an's Muslim Quarter
The Muslim Quarter sits beside the Drum Tower in Xi'an's historic center and has been shaped by generations of Hui Muslim residents. Its busy streets are filled with restaurants, snack stalls and local shops, while the Great Mosque of Xi'an adds one of the city's most important Islamic heritage landmarks to the neighborhood. Together, the food streets, mosque and surrounding lanes reflect Xi'an's long history of cultural exchange along the Silk Road.
See Muslim Quarter in the Area Guide ↑
Signature Noodles
Biangbiang Noodles
Extra-wide hand-pulled noodles are one of Xi'an's best-known dishes and a classic expression of Shaanxi's wheat-based cuisine.
Local Street Food
Roujiamo
A crisp round flatbread filled with seasoned meat, roujiamo is one of Xi'an's most recognizable everyday foods and an easy snack during sightseeing.
Shaanxi Specialty
Liangpi
These cool, chewy noodles provide a lighter contrast to Xi'an's richer bread and meat dishes and are especially popular during warmer weather.
Hui Food Tradition
Yangrou Paomo
Pieces of flatbread served in rich lamb broth make this one of Xi'an's most culturally distinctive dishes and an important part of local Hui Muslim food traditions.
Why Xi'an Food Is Different
Wheat, Silk Road Exchange and Hui Muslim Traditions
Xi'an's cuisine reflects the agricultural traditions of Shaanxi, where wheat-based foods such as noodles and flatbreads are central. The city's position at the eastern end of the Silk Road also brought centuries of cultural exchange, while its Hui Muslim community helped shape many of the lamb, bread and street-food traditions visitors still encounter today.
Wheat-Based Cuisine
Shaanxi Flavors
Hui Muslim Influence
Silk Road Heritage
Add Xi'an Food to Your Itinerary
A simple first-time plan is to explore the City Wall, Bell and Drum Towers during the day, then spend the evening around the Muslim Quarter trying Xi'an's most famous local dishes.
Trip Planning
Suggested Xi'an Itineraries
Choose a Xi'an itinerary based on your travel time and interests. Three days works especially well for first-time visitors, giving you enough time for the historic city center, Terracotta Army, Tang Dynasty heritage, museums and local food without rushing between distant areas.
Recommended Route
3 Days in Xi'an Itinerary
This 3-day Xi'an itinerary combines the ancient City Wall, Bell and Drum Towers, Muslim Quarter, Terracotta Army, Shaanxi History Museum and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in a practical route designed for first-time visitors.
Day 1 · Morning
Historic City Wall
Xi'an City Wall & South Gate
Start at Yongning Gate and explore Xi'an's ancient City Wall on foot or by bicycle. The 13.7-kilometer wall gives you an immediate sense of the scale of the historic city and is a natural introduction to central Xi'an.
Day 1 · Afternoon
Historic Center
Bell Tower & Drum Tower
Continue through the center of the old city to the Bell Tower and nearby Drum Tower. These Ming Dynasty landmarks form one of the most recognizable parts of Xi'an and connect naturally with the surrounding historic streets.
Day 1 · Evening
Food & Local Culture
Muslim Quarter & Xi'an Food
Spend the evening exploring the Muslim Quarter near the Drum Tower. Sample local specialties such as roujiamo, liangpi, yangrou paomo and biangbiang noodles while experiencing one of central Xi'an's liveliest neighborhoods.
Explore Xi'an Food & Muslim Quarter ↑
Day 2
Terracotta Army & Lintong
Terracotta Army & Lintong
Make the Terracotta Army the focus of your second day and visit in the morning when possible. Explore the archaeological site associated with Qin Shi Huang, then spend additional time in Lintong or add Huaqing Palace if it fits your interests and sightseeing pace.
See Terracotta Army & Xi'an Attractions ↑
Day 3
Tang Heritage & Museums
Shaanxi History Museum & Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Spend your final day in southern Xi'an. Visit Shaanxi History Museum for deeper context on the city's ancient past, then continue to Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the wider Qujiang area to explore Xi'an's Tang Dynasty and Buddhist heritage.
Explore Southern Xi'an by Area ↑Other Xi'an Trip Lengths
1 Day
Terracotta Army + Historic City Center
Best for a short visit focused on Xi'an's essential highlights
2 Days
Historic Xi'an + Terracotta Army
A compact first-time route covering the city's major sights
4 Days
Classic Xi'an + Mount Hua
Add a full day for Mount Hua after completing the classic city route
5 Days
Complete Xi'an & Surroundings Experience
Travel at a slower pace with more time for food, museums and nearby sights
Prefer a ready-made private Xi'an itinerary?
Compare private Xi'an tours covering the Terracotta Army, historic city center, Tang heritage, local food and optional extensions such as Mount Hua, or customize the route around your own travel dates and interests.
Weather and Seasons
Best Time to Visit Xi'an
The best time to visit Xi'an is generally spring and autumn, when conditions are more comfortable for walking the ancient City Wall, exploring outdoor historic sites and visiting the Terracotta Army. Summer can be very hot and crowded, while winter is colder but often quieter for sightseeing.
Best Overall Choice
Choose spring or autumn for the most comfortable Xi'an trip
Spring and autumn usually offer the best balance for first-time visitors, especially if your plans include the City Wall, Terracotta Army, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and other outdoor sights. Summer requires more planning around heat and crowds, while winter can work well if you prefer a quieter travel experience.
Best Seasons
Spring and autumn
Busiest Period
Summer holidays, especially August
Major Holiday Warning
Avoid National Day and Spring Festival when possible
Xi'an Travel Conditions by Month
Best months
Good months
Quieter months
Jan
Cold winter travel
Feb
Cold · holiday crowds possible
Mar
Early spring
Apr
Comfortable spring
May
Pleasant for sightseeing
Jun
Warmer summer weather
Jul
Hot summer conditions
Aug
Hot and crowded
Sep
Comfortable autumn
Oct
Excellent season · holiday caution
Nov
Cooler and quieter
Dec
Cold and less crowded
March to May
Spring in Xi'an
Spring is one of the best seasons for a Xi'an trip. Milder conditions make it easier to walk the City Wall, explore the historic center and spend longer periods outdoors at major attractions.
June to August
Summer in Xi'an
Summer can be very hot, with peak temperatures sometimes reaching around 38–40°C. August is also one of the busiest periods because of summer vacations, so early starts and a slower midday pace can make sightseeing more comfortable.
September to November
Autumn in Xi'an
Autumn is another excellent season for Xi'an, with more comfortable conditions for walking, cycling the City Wall and exploring outdoor historical sites. If traveling in October, avoid the National Day holiday period when possible.
December to February
Winter in Xi'an
Winter is colder but generally brings fewer tourists, making it useful for travelers who value quieter museums and historic sites. Be aware that Spring Festival can create a temporary surge in domestic travel and visitor numbers.
Choose Your Xi'an Travel Dates Carefully
Spring and autumn are the easiest seasons for most first-time trips. If you travel in summer, plan around heat and larger crowds. Winter can offer a quieter experience, while major national holidays should be considered separately when choosing your dates.
Spring · Best Overall
Summer · Hot & Busy
Autumn · Best Overall
Winter · Quieter
Accommodation Planning
Where to Stay in Xi'an
The best area to stay in Xi'an depends on how you plan to explore the city. First-time visitors usually benefit from staying inside the City Wall or around Bell Tower, while South Gate, the Muslim Quarter, Xiaozhai and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda offer different combinations of historic atmosphere, food, nightlife and transport.
Best Overall Area
Bell Tower & Historic City Center
The Bell Tower area is the most convenient base for many first-time visitors. Staying near the center of the old city puts the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, City Wall, restaurants and metro connections within easy reach.
Central location inside Xi'an's historic urban core
Convenient for Bell Tower, Drum Tower and Muslim Quarter
Best all-round choice for a first Xi'an trip
South Gate & City Wall
Best for Historic AtmosphereStay around Yongning Gate for direct access to the southern section of Xi'an City Wall and easy travel into the historic center. This area works especially well for travelers who want atmospheric evening walks and convenient central sightseeing.
Drum Tower & Muslim Quarter
Best for Food & Evening AtmosphereChoose this part of central Xi'an if local food and a lively historic atmosphere are priorities. The Muslim Quarter, Drum Tower and surrounding lanes are easy to explore on foot, especially in the evening.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & Qujiang
Best for Tang Culture & Modern HotelsThe Qujiang area offers modern accommodation close to Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi'an's major Tang heritage attractions. It is a good alternative to the old city for travelers who prefer newer hotels and evening attractions.
Xiaozhai
Best for Museums & Southern Xi'anXiaozhai is convenient for Shaanxi History Museum, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the southern part of Xi'an. It suits travelers who want good metro access while staying closer to museums, shopping and Tang heritage sights.
Which Xi'an area fits your itinerary?
Stay near Bell Tower for the most convenient first-time base, choose South Gate for City Wall atmosphere, or move toward Qujiang and Xiaozhai if Tang heritage, museums and modern hotels are a bigger priority.
City Transportation
Getting to and Around Xi'an
Xi'an is well connected by metro, taxis, ride-hailing, high-speed rail and Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. Most central sights are straightforward to reach, while the Terracotta Army in Lintong requires a separate journey outside the historic city center.
Best Overall Strategy
Use the metro in central Xi'an and plan Lintong separately
The metro works well for many city sights and transport hubs, while taxis and ride-hailing are useful when routes become less direct. Treat the Terracotta Army as a separate sightseeing trip rather than trying to combine it with several central Xi'an attractions on the same day.
Xi'an Metro
The metro is one of the easiest ways to travel between central Xi'an, major commercial areas, railway connections and many popular sights. It is especially useful for avoiding road traffic during busy periods.
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is the main airport serving the city. Travelers can continue toward central Xi'an by public transport, taxi, ride-hailing or pre-arranged private transfer depending on arrival time and hotel location.
High-Speed Trains
Xi'an is a major high-speed rail hub with convenient connections to destinations such as Beijing and other large Chinese cities. Xi'an North Railway Station handles many high-speed services and is connected with the city by public transportation.
How to Buy Train Tickets in China →Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing are useful for hotel transfers, evening journeys and routes where public transportation would require several changes. DiDi is China's main ride-hailing platform and can be especially useful for international visitors traveling around Xi'an.
How to Use DiDi in China →Getting to the Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army is in the Lintong area outside central Xi'an. Plan it as a dedicated half- or full-day excursion using public transportation, a private transfer or an organized tour rather than treating it as a quick city-center stop.
See How It Fits Your Itinerary →
Need airport pickup or Terracotta Army transportation?
Private transfers can be included in a customized Xi'an itinerary, with airport or railway station pickup, hotel transfers and flexible transportation to the Terracotta Army and other sights.
Beyond the Ancient City
Best Day Trips and Extensions from Xi'an
Xi'an is a strong base for exploring Shaanxi and nearby historic destinations. Mount Hua is the classic day trip, while Lintong, Buddhist heritage sites and historic cities can be added for travelers with extra time. Choose an extension based on whether you prefer mountains, imperial history, ancient architecture or a longer multi-city journey.
Most Popular Day Trip
Mount Hua
Add Mount Hua, also known as Huashan, for a dramatic contrast to Xi'an's historic landmarks. The mountain is known for steep granite peaks, temples, panoramic viewpoints and hiking routes, making it a strong choice for travelers who want an outdoor day beyond the ancient city.
Xi'an
Mount Hua
Full Day
Mountain Scenery
See the 4-Day Xi'an + Mount Hua Option ↑
Easy Addition to Lintong
Huaqing Palace & Mount Li
Extend your Terracotta Army day with Huaqing Palace and the Mount Li area. This adds Tang Dynasty imperial history and hot-spring heritage to a day already focused on Lintong.
Cultural Day Trip
Famen Temple
Travel beyond central Xi'an for a deeper look at Buddhist heritage connected with the wider history of Shaanxi. This option works best for travelers especially interested in religion, archaeology and Tang-era culture.
Best as a Longer Extension
Luoyang
Continue east to another of China's major ancient capitals. Luoyang adds Buddhist art, imperial history and the Longmen Grottoes to a journey already focused on Xi'an's ancient civilization and Silk Road heritage.
Best as a 1–2 Day Extension
Pingyao Ancient City
Add another historic walled city to your northern China route. Pingyao offers preserved streets, traditional courtyard architecture and merchant history that contrasts with Xi'an's much earlier imperial and Silk Road heritage.
Before You Go
Xi'an Travel Resources
Prepare for your Xi'an trip with practical information about China entry requirements, seasonal weather, high-speed trains, mobile payments, internet access, public holidays and essential travel tools for first-time visitors.
China Visa & Entry Information
Check passport rules, visa requirements and available visa-free entry or transit policies before traveling to Xi'an and other destinations in China.
Xi'an Weather & Best Travel Seasons
Compare spring, summer, autumn and winter conditions before choosing your dates. Spring and autumn are generally the easiest seasons for sightseeing, while summer can be hot and busier.
China High-Speed Trains
Learn how to use China's high-speed rail network for journeys between Xi'an, Beijing and other major destinations, including station planning, tickets and arrival procedures.
Mobile Payment in China
Prepare Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival so you can pay more easily for restaurants, shopping, transport and other everyday expenses during your Xi'an trip.
Internet, eSIM & Travel Apps
Prepare mobile data, translation tools, map apps and ride-hailing before your trip so navigation, communication and everyday travel in Xi'an are easier from arrival.
China Public Holidays
Check major Chinese holiday periods before booking. National Day and Spring Festival can significantly increase domestic travel demand, attraction crowds and transport pressure.
First-Time China Travel Tips
Prepare for transport, language differences, attraction reservations, payments and other practical issues before beginning your first trip to Xi'an and China.
Planning a Multi-City China Trip
Xi'an combines naturally with other major China destinations. Plan your route around travel time, high-speed rail connections and how many days you want to spend in each city.
Want to include Xi'an in a longer China itinerary?
Combine Xi'an's Terracotta Army, ancient City Wall and Tang heritage with other destinations based on your travel dates, interests and preferred pace.
Private and Custom Travel
Recommended Xi'an Tours
Compare private Xi'an tours for short first visits, classic three-day sightseeing and longer journeys beyond the city. These routes combine the Terracotta Army, Xi'an City Wall, historic neighborhoods, Tang Dynasty heritage and optional extensions such as Mount Hua, Luoyang and Shaolin.
Best for First-Time Visitors
3-Day Essence of Xi'an Tour
Spend three days exploring Xi'an's essential historical sights, including the Terracotta Army and ancient City Wall, with a private itinerary designed for travelers who want the city's major highlights at a comfortable pace.
View 3-Day Xi'an Tour
1 Day
1-Day Xi'an Highlights Tour
See the Terracotta Warriors and ancient City Wall in a compact private day tour designed for travelers with limited time in Xi'an.
4 Days
4-Day Xi'an & Mt. Huashan Tour
Combine Xi'an's classic historic sights and Terracotta Warriors with a Mount Hua extension for dramatic mountain scenery beyond the ancient city.
6 Days
Xi'an, Luoyang & Shaolin Highlights Tour
Extend your Xi'an journey to Luoyang and Shaolin for a deeper route through ancient capitals, Buddhist heritage, the Longmen Grottoes and Chinese martial arts culture.
7 Days
7-Day Xi'an Educational Tour
Explore Xi'an through history, archaeology and cultural learning, with the Terracotta Warriors and other major heritage experiences forming the foundation of a deeper educational journey.
All Xi'an Packages
Xi'an Tour Packages
Compare private Xi'an day tours, classic multi-day routes, Mount Hua extensions and longer journeys connecting Xi'an with other destinations in China.
Explore All Xi'an Tours →
Mountain Extension
Xi'an & Mount Hua
Add one of China's most dramatic sacred mountains to a classic Xi'an itinerary while keeping the Terracotta Warriors and historic city highlights in the same journey.
View Xi'an & Mount Hua Tour →
Ancient China Extension
Xi'an, Luoyang & Shaolin
Continue from Xi'an to another ancient Chinese capital and Shaolin for Buddhist heritage, grotto art and martial arts culture on a longer private route.
Explore the 6-Day Route →Need a Xi'an itinerary designed around you?
Tell us your travel dates, group size, hotel preferences and interests. Your Xi'an itinerary can be adjusted around your pace and combined with Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu or other destinations in China.
Xi'an Travel Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers cover common questions first-time visitors ask when planning a Xi'an trip, including how many days to stay, must-see attractions, the Terracotta Army, local food, accommodation, transportation and the best time to visit.
Where is Xi'an in China?
Xi'an is in Shaanxi Province in northwestern China. Historically known as Chang'an, it was one of China's great ancient capitals and the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road.
How many days do you need in Xi'an?
Three days is an ideal length for many first-time visitors. This gives you enough time for the Terracotta Army, Xi'an City Wall, Bell and Drum Towers, Muslim Quarter, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and other major historical sights without rushing. See our suggested Xi'an itineraries for one- to five-day trip ideas.
What are the must-see attractions in Xi'an?
The Terracotta Army is the defining attraction for most first-time trips. Other major sights include Xi'an City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, the Bell and Drum Towers and the Muslim Quarter. Explore the top attractions and things to do in Xi'an for a first-visit overview.
What is the best time to visit Xi'an?
Spring and autumn are generally the best seasons for visiting Xi'an because conditions are more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer can be very hot and August is especially busy, while winter usually brings fewer visitors. Avoid National Day and Spring Festival when possible if you want to reduce crowds. Compare the seasons in our best time to visit Xi'an section.
When is the best time of day to visit the Terracotta Army?
Morning is a good choice for visiting the Terracotta Army. On a three-day first-time itinerary, it works well as the main focus of your second day rather than trying to combine it with too many central Xi'an sights.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Xi'an?
Staying inside the City Wall is convenient for sightseeing and food. The Bell Tower area is especially suitable for first-time visitors because it places you close to the historic center, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter and central transportation. Compare the main neighborhoods in our where to stay in Xi'an section.
When should you visit Xi'an's Muslim Quarter?
The Muslim Quarter is especially lively in the evening. It is a good place to experience Xi'an's food culture and try local specialties such as roujiamo, liangpi, yangrou paomo and biangbiang noodles while exploring the streets around the Drum Tower. See our Xi'an food and Muslim Quarter section for more planning ideas.
Is Xi'an easy to explore without a private tour?
Many central Xi'an sights can be explored independently using the metro, walking, taxis and ride-hailing. A private guide or driver can be more useful when you want historical context, flexible pacing or simpler transportation between attractions. See the getting to and around Xi'an section for practical transportation options.
Can Xi'an be combined with Beijing?
Yes. Xi'an and Beijing make a strong combination for travelers interested in Chinese history. High-speed trains connect the two cities, allowing you to combine Xi'an's Terracotta Army, ancient City Wall and Silk Road heritage with Beijing's major imperial landmarks.
Start Planning
Create Your Perfect Xi'an Journey
Tell us your travel dates, interests, preferred hotel style and available time. Our local team can design a private Xi'an itinerary around the Terracotta Army, ancient City Wall, Tang heritage, local food and nearby extensions, or connect Xi'an with a longer multi-city China journey.
Private and Flexible Itineraries
Local China Travel Support
Terracotta Army & Xi'an Trip Planning
Multi-City China Travel